The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-05-28
THE ALSATIAN ORGANIST
Translated from the French for the New
 York Graphic

Organist Richter had just finished his supper when two knocks re- sounded on the door of the little house occupied by him in suburb of Mulhausen, in Alsace.
 Who could knock at his door at such an hour of the evening? It was half-past eight p. m., and since the German occupation of the city, which occurred a week ago, the streets were lonely and sad, even during daylight. The inhabitants, ashamed of undergo ing the presence of the invaders, re- maincd at home and seldom went out.
 In these circumstances those two knocks were whole event. Gravely Richter put his pipe on the table, shook his long legs and opened the door.
 What! it is you, Christel ?" ex- claimed he, looking at his visitor, who was the beadle of the parish. "The deuce. what brings you here at this hour of the night ?"
 M. Richter, answered the bcadle, out of breath, "I ask your pardon, Oui. HiOIiSlCuI, tilc CuIdtc SclluS liic.
 Has misfortune befallen him?"
 "I do not know but he sends me to you, because he wants you to come immediately to his house."
 And the poor beadle stopped to re- gain his breath.
 Are you mad :" answered the mu- sician. "Monsieur, the curate, does not want me this evening""
 Yes, sir. he wants you this very evening, this very minute"
 My god. my God! what has hap pened ?" murmured the organist.
 And he told the beadle to take a seat, while he went in search of his cane and hat.
 Richter and the beadle. marching rapidly, crossed the silent city. The streets were deserted, alone few Ger man officers, dragging their heavy swords on the pavement, were leaving the taverns.
 The musician and his companion ar rived before the priests house. Gu rate Schlcgel, who was waiting for them, opened the door.
 Curate Schlegel was handsome old man of seventy years: his hair, very thick, was snow white, and his big blue eyes reflected frankness and loy- alty. In a button of his gown a rcd ribbon-the ribbon of the Legion of Honor-waS tied. as well de- served reward for fifty years of de- youtness, charity and patriotism.
 That evening Curate Schlegal was very pale.
 An. thanks, my good Richter," said he to the musician, who opened his eyes widely to see better the aston ishing surprise in store for him. "Come in and shut the door behind you. wanted to see you, my friend," continued the curate, under the in pression of a violent emotion that he was unable to rcpress. Il needed you very much, indeed, as must have talk with you"
 Then, taking the hands of the or ganist in his own, he looked tixedly at him, and added:
 My poor Richter, we are very un- fortunatc."
 Richter remained immovable as if petritied.
 '" Take and read. my friend" and the priest handed him little piece of paper. "That is what German sol dier brought me from his general"
 Richter took the paper and read:
 By orders emanating from the general military governor of the city of Mulhausen, it is commanded to Curate Schlegel, pastor of the Catho- lie church of this city, to sing re Deum ill music next Sunday at noon in his church. and to pray for his majesty Wilhelm, king of Prussia. the royal family, the German kings, princes and grand dukes, the allies of his majesty. The military and civil authorities shall be present"
 The organist fell on chair speech- less.
 "What shame. what shame," repeated the curate. TO be com pelled to sing Te Deum in honor of our invaders"
 " In the name of the Almighty what is your intention, Cuate Schlegel ?" exclaimed Richter.
 Obey"
 The organist rose from his seat, closed his fists and rushed against, the miserable priest.
 "Obey! did you say ?" cried he.
 Yes, obey!" replied the curate. Y" We are completely at the mercy of those brutes. If it was a question of myself alone would refuse. A man seventy years ofage is not very pre- cious hostage At this period of my lite am good for nothing: now they do not want me. they are seeking pretext for plundering, imprisoning our co-citizens, our brothers, and we must protect them, even if we are to die with sorrow. Yes. Richter. we